Saving Iris

Eighteen year old Lyla Pearson spent her life preparing for one moment - her Flowering Day Ceremony, a centuries old tradition where her parents present her with five carefully picked suitors, men of influence, charm and good looks.

Tradition demands she chooses one to marry, a match that promises safety, security and the kind of love she's always dreamed of. But on the morning of her wedding, her little sister Iris disappears.

Wanting to call of the wedding, Lyla's father pleads for her to continue, promising Lyla, her sister will be found.

With her family torn apart, and desperate to save her sister, Lyla might have to go through more than just the ceremony, she might have to risk everything.

Saving Iris was written over a twelve month period, was a joy to write, and was published in November 2025. It is a period novel, set in the late 19th century and was written as a suspense/thriller/romance with hints of betrayal, red flags, and may contain mild trigger warnings.

This novel is based on the concept, that females have control in who they chose to marry, who they deem worthy to be their life partner. A concept not really seen in these times.

Being a creative person, but limited with graphic design skills Karen delved into the AI world, and created a few concept pictures. These pictures were made purely to assist Karen visualise certain parts of her novel. Here are a few she created and she is happy to share with you all, so you too might see her vision.

Lyla Pierson

Iris Pierson

Wedding gift painting